Edward’s Legacy: The Elworthys of South Canterbury

Former publishers and owners of Shoal Bay Press, David Elworthy and Ros Henry, continue to publish the occasional book under their imprint Henry Elworthy Ltd. Their latest publication, the result of many years research, is Edward’s Legacy: The Elworthys of South Canterbury, written by Ros and David and first launched last weekend at a family property, Craigmore. The book will have its Christchurch launch on 25 May at UBS in Christchurch.

A highly-illustrated hardback of 416 pages, published in a limited edition of 600 numbered copies, the book tells the story of David’s great grandparents Edward and Sarah,whose families were woollen mill-owners in Somerset and cotton mill owners in Lancashire respectively. In 1864 Edward sailed to New Zealand where he established a large estate in the rolling limestone hills to the south-west of Timaru, where Elworthys still farm the land he carved out of the scrub 147 years ago. Other family members have since established themselves in a wide variety of professions up and down the country while some, such as Lord Elworthy of Timaru, have carved out successful careers back in the land of their forefathers.